Grocery budget

[Poppet]

Teen boys love fried bread dough with cinnamon and sugar. I love them too. Buy frozen bread dough, let it thaw and roll it in long sticks. Fry in veggie oil for a couple of minutes and drain grease off. Shake in cinnamon and sugar mixture. One loaf makes lots of goodies. Serve with milk

It's true, they sure do. I made this a few weeks ago and my 16yr old went gaga.
Oh heck, what human being does not like anything with cinnamon and sugar on it?

What you are describing I call fritters or in Spanish, Bunuelos.

You can make them from scratch for pennies. Very easy. Google Bunuelos and you'll find recipes all over the net.

They're delicious.

[Deleted]

We spend 9% of our expenses on ALL food... groceries, restaurants, concessions, etc.

[stantonjane]

Okay, this same subject is one I responded to on the old msn boards and got beaten with a stupid stick for. I still hold to my guns. My family of 2 adults, 2 teen girls, 2 kitties and mom-in-law 2-3 times a week costs between $650-$800 a month. This includes groceries, health and hygiene items, and household cleaning items, plus those kitty treats. It also allows for $20-30 a week getting pizza or subway sandwiches 1-2 times a week. The variation in the numbers has to do with how good sales/coupons are, and if there are holidays, special events during that month. We do work at keeping this to a reasonable amount, but we live in a HCOL area (SoCal) and I guess we can be somewhat picky. (We don't like Krustaeu pancake mix or any mayo not Best Foods, and my cats just waste the 9 Lives catfood.)

[emptypockets]

Buy what you eat. that is cheaper than buying what you don't like and therefore don't eat and throw away.... You can make budget adjustments in other areas, and by eating out less, and making your own stuff.

[suziq38]

I spend about $35.00 to $50.00 a week for the 2 of us.
This includes food, beverages, toiletries, paper goods, over the counter meds, cleaning products, laundry detergent, and other household goods.

My DH won't bring his lunch to work, so 4 days a week he spends about $20.00 for the week.

I bring leftovers for lunch, or whatever I can find in the refrigerator.
We also like to go out the eat once in awhile. I think we spend about $75.00 to $100.00 a month on eating out. We like to split the larger meal.

I think doing well with my household and grocery budget allows us to have money to go out to eat once in awhile.

[dcmetrocrab]

We budget groceries @ $200/month for 2 adults. This includes TP and cleaning supplies, both purchases far and few in between. We eat out 2-3 times a week out of our individual allowances, so most likely spending $250-300/month additional on restaurants. We brown bag lunch however. Not sure on cat costs, SO takes care of that. I'd estimate $25/month for litter and food.

[Gardening Grandma]

What do people typically spend on groceries and what size family are you feeding?

I also responded to this on the old board and got hammered for stating that I did not save much with coupons because they are mostly for processed and junk food. I do most of my cooking from scratch, and buy fresh produce rather than canned/frozen. I also will spend more on grain fed organic meats.

We budget $600/mo for food for two adults. That's food only (no paper products, no liquor, no cleaning stuff or dog food). But we are foodies and I'm willing to spend more on great coffee, organic blueberries out of season, fresh seafood and organic meats. I know I could easily trim a couple of hundred off the budget, but eating well is a priority and DH has his favorite snacks. I do watch for sales and stock up on non perishables when the price is right. We don't eat out a lot mostly because the food usually isn't as good as what I cook at home and it annoys me to eat something that I can make better and spend too much on it.

[Cookies Galore]

We budget $80/week, but have been hovering around $65/week lately. I don't eat meat and BF does, so we buy steak or pork for him one day a week. Wine/beer/liquor is its own budget, as is dining out.

[pushingit]

Jan 2, 2011 18:12:27 GMT -5 Poppet said:

Don't get me wrong friends. I am no curmudgeon. It's wonderful that Goldenrulegirl offers a safe place to hang out. If I sounded harsh, my apologies. That's not my intention to break out the Draconian measures.

My co-worker had to put a stop to this at his house. He lives across the street from the high school. His son would bring by a bunch of his friends after school, before football practice and feed them all! It was costing them a small fortune.

I would have put an end to that too. Of course, I would have put an end to it, even if it wasn't about the food. I wouldn't want that many kids at my house when there's no adult home!

[Poppet]

got hammered for stating that I did not save much with coupons because they are mostly for processed and junk food.

This is one of the reasons I don't use coupons. No hammering from me.

[pushingit]

Jan 3, 2011 10:38:06 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

We budget $600/mo for food for two adults. That's food only (no paper products, no liquor, no cleaning stuff or dog food). But we are foodies and I'm willing to spend more on great coffee, organic blueberries out of season, fresh seafood and organic meats. . . .

<snip> We don't eat out a lot mostly because the food usually isn't as good as what I cook at home and it annoys me to eat something that I can make better and spend too much on it.

I think people who claim they spend $400 a month on food, when in fact they spend $400 a month on food at the grocery store, another $100 a month on school lunches, $100 a month on eating lunch out themselves & $200 a month going out to eat or buying take-out once or twice a week, are just kidding themselves.

I personally think buying blueberries out of season is crazy, but that's because I don't love blueberries that much.

What drives me crazy though, is when you hear people COMPLAINING about food prices then post something like "I just paid $7.99 for a pint of blueberry's at TJ's!" Well of course you did, it's January, you dolt! That isn't inflation, that's being spoiled and buying fruit that's expensive anyway out of season!

Editing to add: My point! Which was I don't see anything wrong with choosing to buy better foods if you can afford it.

[Poppet]

His son would bring by a bunch of his friends after school, before football practice and feed them all! It was costing them a small fortune.I would have put an end to that too



But me thinks some here find it a source of pride to be able to do this; a sort of social good deed. Almost a charity (for lack of a better word). "Providing a safe place for kids to hang out and lending a helping hand to working parents."

Nothing wrong with that if it's what one wants to do and if it's not hurting the family budget.

That said, if it's busting the grocery budget why move this part of the food bill in one's tithes? If one doesn't tithe then put it in the giving category of one's budget, because that's what it is--giving.

Again, nothing wrong with giving so don't get all prickly on me, people.

Just trying to reduce the grocery budget.

[pushingit]

Jan 3, 2011 11:49:53 GMT -5 Poppet said:

His son would bring by a bunch of his friends after school, before football practice and feed them all! It was costing them a small fortune.I would have put an end to that too



But me thinks some here find it a source of pride to be able to do this; a sort of social good deed. Almost a charity (for lack of a better word). "Providing a safe place for kids to hang out and lending a helping hand to working parents."

That's great, if that's their situation. On my co-worker's part, there was no adult home. I don't think any working parent would really want their kids hanging out at some other working parent's house after school, eating them out of house and home and doing who know what else without any adults around!

(Which is why I'll be keeping my mom on the payroll as nanny for several years into high school. Yes, when my youngest is 12, his 14 and 17 year old siblings should be able to watch him, but I see too much possibility of trouble there, so grandma will be there after school, just in case!)

[daisylu]

Including school lunches, we are usually in the $500 range.

We are a family of 2 adults & 2 kids.

[dividend]

Jan 3, 2011 11:47:41 GMT -5 pushingit said:

Jan 3, 2011 10:38:06 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

We budget $600/mo for food for two adults. That's food only (no paper products, no liquor, no cleaning stuff or dog food). But we are foodies and I'm willing to spend more on great coffee, organic blueberries out of season, fresh seafood and organic meats. . . .

<snip> We don't eat out a lot mostly because the food usually isn't as good as what I cook at home and it annoys me to eat something that I can make better and spend too much on it.

I think people who claim they spend $400 a month on food, when in fact they spend $400 a month on food at the grocery store, another $100 a month on school lunches, $100 a month on eating lunch out themselves & $200 a month going out to eat or buying take-out once or twice a week, are just kidding themselves.

I personally think buying blueberries out of season is crazy, but that's because I don't love blueberries that much.

What drives me crazy though, is when you hear people COMPLAINING about food prices then post something like "I just paid $7.99 for a pint of blueberry's at TJ's!" Well of course you did, it's January, you dolt! That isn't inflation, that's being spoiled and buying fruit that's expensive anyway out of season!

Editing to add: My point! Which was I don't see anything wrong with choosing to buy better foods if you can afford it.

I agree with this. I don't buy that much out of season fruit, not because it's expensive, but because it's not delicious. Right now, citrus is at it's most delicious, and it's pretty cheap. So rather than a $7.99 clamshell of blueberries, I'll buy a box of a clementines and a bag of grapefruit. Yum. I also don't think that "better" foods have to be super expensive. Sure, strip steak and seafood will always cost more than beans and rice. But there is a delicious middle ground, and that's where I try to be most of the time. Right now I've got round steak with tomatoes, ginger, soy sauce, and rice wine in the oven. It'll cook slowly for about 4 hours, the round steak was cheap, and it's got a totally luxurious taste and texture.

I also agree that, for the most part, I don't feel like eating out is a good value. I hate staring at a menu and realizing that nothing on it would be as good as if I cooked it at home. That's part of the reason I put eating out in my fun money budget. To discourage it. There are days that I don't want to cook whatever I have planned after work, but I do it anyway because the $20 it would have cost to eat out could buy a couple of movie tickets, or a new sweater, or something awesome from Etsy, or even a round of really good beer later in the week. When we do go out to eat, it's generally planned, and generally something I'm not likely to make at home - sushi, ethnic foods (Indian, Vietnamese), or pizza from our favorite place. I also like to go out to a place that does intelligent wine pairings, since I don't really buy wine for at home.

[Cookies Galore]

"I hate staring at a menu and realizing that nothing on it would be as good as if I cooked it at home. That's part of the reason I put eating out in my fun money budget. "

I put eating out in my fun budget because it's fun (for us). Yes, it costs more than coooking, but we enjoy it.

[bobbysgirl]

Jan 2, 2011 18:17:25 GMT -5 Poppet said:

Teen boys love fried bread dough with cinnamon and sugar. I love them too. Buy frozen bread dough, let it thaw and roll it in long sticks. Fry in veggie oil for a couple of minutes and drain grease off. Shake in cinnamon and sugar mixture. One loaf makes lots of goodies. Serve with milk

It's true, they sure do. I made this a few weeks ago and my 16yr old went gaga.
Oh heck, what human being does not like anything with cinnamon and sugar on it?

What you are describing I call fritters or in Spanish, Bunuelos.

You can make them from scratch for pennies. Very easy. Google Bunuelos and you'll find recipes all over the net.

They're delicious.

Thank you TOME

[The J]

Jan 3, 2011 15:57:13 GMT -5 Cookies Galore said:

"I hate staring at a menu and realizing that nothing on it would be as good as if I cooked it at home. That's part of the reason I put eating out in my fun money budget. "

I put eating out in my fun budget because it's fun (for us). Yes, it costs more than coooking, but we enjoy it.

I agree. And there are some things I just don't make at home. I make fantastic burgers. But I make them healthy. Sometimes, I really want a greasy, fat and juices dripping down your chin, kind of burger. Those I go out for.

[resolution]

Sometimes, I really want a greasy, fat and juices dripping down your chin, kind of burger. Those I go out for.

That was just a mean mental image to give me when I am planning to heat up leftover chicken tonight.

We spend about $400 per month for two people, which includes groceries and household items. That does not include meals out (about once a week) or booze.

[8 Bit WWBG]

...:::"And stuff liked aged cheddar for $7.99/lb, it is so good though.":::...

We just grabbed some Gruyere, and that was what a 1/2lb cost! Great cheese though. Aged dutch beemster is also nice.

We shoot for $400 which includes all edibles and toiletries and pet food. It does not include restaurant meals. Most months the actual is closer to $500 or $600 depending on what is happening that month, or how much needs replenishing.

...:::"And there are some things I just don't make at home.":::...

I agree as well. For me, anything that requires too many special ingredients or equipment, and won't come out the same (ex. Indian, or Thai) I will not attempt to make at home, and I go out for that. But its hard to pay $13.99 for chicken parm that is probably made with industrial sauce and low quality cheese, as well as originating from a factory fried piece of chicken that was then re-fried at the restaurant.

...:::"This is one of the reasons I don't use coupons. No hammering from me.":::...

Totally! Although it is possible to find coupons for good, healthy foods, even fresh fruit, they are much more rare. Every weekend I have to sort through the endless Gortons fish sticks coupons or pillsbury triple bleached goo coupons to find the one for sour cream or low fat cheese.

[Anne_in_VA]

I budget $600 a month for the two of us which includes cat/dog food and household items like cleaning supplies and personal items. I don't do a lot of couponing since we mostly eat fresh/frozen foods and not too many processed foods. This total doesn't include eating out which is part of our "fun" money category.

I agree with the other posters that coupons for foods I'll use are few and far between. I'll look through the paper's circulars as well as the ones that come in the mail, but will typically only find one or two to cut out.

I do have months (like December) when we spend more because we have people over for dinner or bring food to a party more than other months. Last month we spent about $800 - I was really shocked at that amount, but I did buy a ham and all the fixings for Christmas dinner as well as a couple of other dinners when we had people over and I made food for a couple of pot-lucks.

[Deleted]

I easily spend $600 a month of food. Right now I am feeding myself and 3 kids (14, 10, 9). The 9 year old is the size of a twig but can out eat a grown man! Anyway, it does go up when my DH is actually home too (he is currently deployed).

I am a food person. I LOVE good cheese and wine. I LOVE to cook. I do not eat boxed foods or frozen meals. The only things I eat that are canned tomatoes, spaghetti sauce (if I don't have time to make some), and beans (which I rince to get as much salt off as I can). The rest of our food is fresh or I will do frozen veggies sometimes.

[bobbysgirl]

Just one question for the posters who buy only fresh foods. Do you have a stocked pantry for emergencies?

[Cookies Galore]

Jan 3, 2011 16:39:54 GMT -5 8 Bit WWBG said:

...:::"And stuff liked aged cheddar for $7.99/lb, it is so good though.":::...

We just grabbed some Gruyere, and that was what a 1/2lb cost! Great cheese though. Aged dutch beemster is also nice.

Yeah, I thought $7.99/lb was the average price for run of the mill cheese. I use gruyere in my mac and cheese and that's $17.99/lb (I use a little under 1/2 pound).

I have to wonder what kinds of restaurants people are going to if they think they can make it better at home. Chain restaurants, I can see, but a really great ethnic place or high-quality restaurant? I'm a good cook, but some things can't be replicated as awesome.

[Deleted]

Bobbysgirl, I have beans, rice, tomatoes, pasta, spaghetti sauce, some canned fruit, flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, brown sugar, canned tuna, canned broth.

So yeah..I guess I do have some stuff for emergencies. I do use SOME canned things, but for the most part I guess I wouldn't last too long in a real emergency.

[Gardening Grandma]

I have to wonder what kinds of restaurants people are going to if they think they can make it better at home. Chain restaurants, I can see, but a really great ethnic place or high-quality restaurant? I'm a good cook, but some things can't be replicated as awesome.

This is true. But to get really great food that I can't replicate at home, we'd spend over $100 for one meal for the two of us. Unless it's a special occasion, I just cannot spend that amount of money on one meal. Most of the time, when we eat out, it's because I just don't feel like cooking; we'll eat at a chain restaurant or a brew pub (we like the food and atmosphere there).

[illinicheme]

We're DINKs in a HCOL area. Our food spend averaged $700/month in 2010. This included both groceries and eating out, but not toiletries, pet supplies, etc.

Most months it's ~$400 groceries and ~$300 on eating out. But there are many months that are much cheaper overall, and occasional months where we blow an even bigger amount of money on eating out (usually when traveling). We could easily cut down on what we spend, but we're meeting our savings goals, so I don't sweat it.

[resolution]

I have to wonder what kinds of restaurants people are going to if they think they can make it better at home. Chain restaurants, I can see, but a really great ethnic place or high-quality restaurant? I'm a good cook, but some things can't be replicated as awesome.

Some places just don't have a lot of restaurants. I have lived here a year and have yet to find a great ethnic or high quality restaurant, with the exception of seafood and a Japanese steakhouse. Almost universially, the restaurants within driving range are chains that are carbon copies of each other (Denny's, IHOP, TGIF, Applebie's, Golden Corral etc.). I would pay a lot for some decent Mexican, Italian or Greek food.

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Jan 3, 2011 11:40:53 GMT -5 pushingit said:

Jan 2, 2011 18:12:27 GMT -5 Poppet said:

Don't get me wrong friends. I am no curmudgeon. It's wonderful that Goldenrulegirl offers a safe place to hang out. If I sounded harsh, my apologies. That's not my intention to break out the Draconian measures.

My co-worker had to put a stop to this at his house. He lives across the street from the high school. His son would bring by a bunch of his friends after school, before football practice and feed them all! It was costing them a small fortune.

I would have put an end to that too. Of course, I would have put an end to it, even if it wasn't about the food. I wouldn't want that many kids at my house when there's no adult home!

Pushingit, I totally agree with you. I am currently a SAHM. The kids are only allowed to have friends over if I am home. And, more importantly, they are only allowed to go to a friend's home if there is an adult at home.

The time is nearing when I will no longer be able to afford to be a SAHM. I'll then have to limit my "feedings" to nights and weekends.

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Just wanted to add that another reason I am willing to feed teen friends is that the alternative is for everyone to hit the local convenience store or pizza place. Several stops there per week can really add up cost-wise and fat and sugar-wise. When my kids do hit those places, they use their own money (they get an allowance each week), but I'm hoping to plant the seed that spending money on junk food is the nutritional and financial equivalent of throwing it away.

I also want to dispel any ideas that I do it strictly from an altruistic/charitable point of view. Truthfully, there are far more dangers out there for teens than there were when I was growing up. I just want to keep tabs on my own kids. If that means I have to host a few on my own dime, then I am perfectly willing to do so. Anyway, they'll all be gone and living on their own by the time they're 30, LOL, so I might as well enjoy them while I can!